tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37644081712520727152017-09-13T12:13:25.075-05:00mommybreathTaking it one breath at a time...Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-9278107080908736132017-08-31T14:55:00.001-05:002017-08-31T14:55:28.304-05:00It's been a long time... How quickly time flows in and through our hands. I have lost touch. I have not blogged since before I lost three of the most important people in my life. Their loss is what stalled my writing in all aspects of my life. Grief is such a heavy burden. It became too hard to think of things I wanted to say that weren't incoherent or just pure hate. I have even stopped all journaling, which is completely out of character for me. <br />I have reached a place that still heaves great sighs of loss but I am finally able to hold this big stupid head above water long enough to feel creative again. I have been working on a novel and plan to begin blogging again in one capacity or another. <br />I don't have anything fantastic to say today but wanted to hop on and say that I vow to try a little harder. <br /><br />Thanks for being you.Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-32762900963202966852013-07-01T15:16:00.001-05:002013-07-01T15:16:04.911-05:00U, V, W, X, Y, Z. Finishing Up With Mini Posts.<p>This is me cheating on a challenge. I knew this time of year was too crazy to begin an every day for 26 days project. My apologies. For sucking.</p> <p>U – U is for Unconditional love. </p> <blockquote> <p>I take the word unconditional very seriously. Without limits. I think there are only two people on this entire planet that I could ever love unconditionally and I gave birth to both of them. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dear husband with all my heart but if he were to become some wife beating, meth addicted, puppy killing, child rapist, I fear my love for him would wane. It will never happen, but those are my conditions. My kids on the other hand could be (but never will!) crazy ass, car-bombing, ax murdering, psycho killers and I would still love them. I don’t always have to like them. Love them? I just always will.</p></blockquote> <p>V - V is for Violence</p> <blockquote> <p>I apologize for the previous paragraph and any damaging imagery it has caused you. The thought of any violence is sickening. I actually get queasy thinking about it. I don’t watch MMA, hate the idea that other places in this world actual still consider torture as valid punishment, and am truly disgusted by anyone who finds pleasure or necessity in hurting another. </p></blockquote> <p>W – W is for Widespread Panic</p> <blockquote> <p>I was always a fan of this band but since marrying my hubs have pushed it to real close to the top of my list of favorites. We really enjoy seeing them together. We really enjoy traveling to see them, together. Enjoy my two favorites:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ff5087a5-10ad-45b0-8202-028193d6baf4" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="39122bbd-3823-4988-8020-c5e5c8105882" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coYM8KqB6jU&amp;feature=player_detailpage" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KgJ9dQ_k8JE/UdHjgREc7NI/AAAAAAAABNU/WjdrZ5522bM/videoee7522ec2b04%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('39122bbd-3823-4988-8020-c5e5c8105882'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = &quot;&lt;div&gt;&lt;object width=\&quot;425\&quot; height=\&quot;355\&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=\&quot;movie\&quot; value=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/coYM8KqB6jU&amp;hl=en\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/param&gt;&lt;embed src=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/coYM8KqB6jU&amp;hl=en\&quot; type=\&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash\&quot; width=\&quot;425\&quot; height=\&quot;355\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/embed&gt;&lt;\/object&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;&quot;;" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center">“Climb to Safety” is my favorite that they do. It was written by the wonderful Jerry Joseph (and the Jackmorons) but Widespread later threw it on an album and played the sh*t out of it. There is a kick ass version on YouTube with both Jerry Joseph and John Bell you might want to check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tr4vGmudYc">HERE</a>. You are welcome. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0c33264d-5360-480d-95b7-3dd8428edee0" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2d7b0af0-fff1-4c86-a471-9778ad14e782" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToKPDidepsw&amp;feature=player_detailpage" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NnuTqBjwumE/UdHjg5j8mZI/AAAAAAAABNc/HG37xeBlfVU/video5f08bd3bc54b%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2d7b0af0-fff1-4c86-a471-9778ad14e782'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = &quot;&lt;div&gt;&lt;object width=\&quot;425\&quot; height=\&quot;355\&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=\&quot;movie\&quot; value=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/ToKPDidepsw&amp;hl=en\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/param&gt;&lt;embed src=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/ToKPDidepsw&amp;hl=en\&quot; type=\&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash\&quot; width=\&quot;425\&quot; height=\&quot;355\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/embed&gt;&lt;\/object&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;&quot;;" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>&nbsp;</p></blockquote> <p>X – X is for Xanex</p> <blockquote> <p>Ha! Is this stuff like Valium was in the 50’s or what?! It is the “here shut up and do your lady duty” drug of the 21st century. I have a headache/tension/hang nail/bad mood/stress/trouble sleeping/dying pop career so I think I’ll take a Xanex. No judging but I once sewed an entire kitchen-dining room full of curtains and was paid in these pills! Heeey noooow… that was like an entire lifetime ago. But seriously. Then we took them for fun. No, seriously. When my buddy was sick and having treatments regularly requiring general anesthetic it was a lot for this mommy to handle. I actually blacked out in a waiting room waiting for him once. I run to my Dr. who solves everything with an Rx and told her what had happened. I am pretty anti-drug these days so I did not want her to load me up on a ton of prescriptions for depression or anxiety. I didn’t want to be a robot, I still had two small children depending on me every minute. I asked her if there was anything to help me get my sh*t together. Like a rescue inhaler for my anxiety attacks? She said she thought Xanex would do the trick. Huh. I bet. I tried it in a non recreational setting and it is just not any fun when it is not for fun. Needless to say, I’m crazy as ever and totally unmedicated. tee hee&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <p>Y – Y is for Yellowbook</p> <blockquote> <p>Also known as the Yellow Pages. A giant planet killing, unreliable, and horribly edited waste of energy. Why does this damn thing still exist? Does anyone ever use it? It is 2013!!! Call directory. I have called three times to have this piece of crap’s delivery stopped. Maybe someday I will get my way. </p></blockquote> <p>Z – Z is for Zero</p> <blockquote> <p>I have Zero interest in ever doing another blog challenge. Ever. Like ZERO chances of that happening. </p></blockquote> <p>Thanks for reading.</p> <p>Much love. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-35223417695601832812013-06-23T23:51:00.001-05:002013-06-23T23:51:28.189-05:00M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T. Catching Up With Mini Posts<p>My work schedule has changed and I have been very busy besides so I have lost a few days. Like more than a week. Summertime around here is pretty hectic and well… enough excuses. I made it almost halfway through the alphabet before I fell of the planet. Sue me.</p> <p>M – M is for May. </p> <blockquote> <p>May is my favorite month. The weather is usually looking up before it gets too hot. My birthday is in May. It marks the beginning of summer with the kids getting out towards the end of the month. May is also a polite way to ask for something “May I have another cookie?” and I really love manners. A family that is very dear to me also calls me May. When their oldest was tiny she had a rough time with Emilie and it would always come out like “Em-may” and from there on it has stuck, which I love. Melts my heart. So May is my name too. Mmm… May.</p></blockquote> <p>N – N is for Neighbors</p> <blockquote> <p>We decided to build and then moved in about two years ago. In that time I have come across the finest group of people and feel very lucky to call them not just neighbors but friends. When they say “it takes a village” it is the truth, and we have a village. There is a close-ness that I don’t quite understand and hope stays for many many years to come. I consider myself lucky because we have found extended family where in truth sometimes neighbors just suck. Side note: it has also taught me I can cook for more than a dozen people at the drop of a hat! </p></blockquote> <p>O – O is for Optimism</p> <blockquote> <p>This is a foreign territory for me. I am unfortunately a pessimist. Not only is my glass half empty, I will probably spill it before I get where I’m going. </p></blockquote> <p>P – P is for Patience&nbsp; </p> <blockquote> <p>Again, not my strong suit. I am forever praying for patience (I hear it is a virtue) but as with all things concerning our Dear Lord in Heaven, supreme being and master of irony and humor, it is not given but gained. Apparently when you pray for patience you are given ample opportunities to learn instead of just getting your way and being able to deal. So deal. </p></blockquote> <p>Q – Q is for Quiet</p> <blockquote> <p>Quiet is something I am constantly on the search for. I love a comfortable silence and crave it just like Lay’s potato chips or chocolate. This is why for the past 13 years I have practiced yoga. I yearn for the discipline to quiet my mind. Ironically, quiet is something I scream for. I have a tad bit of tinnitus so even when it is most quiet, I do not hear silence. I am learning the hard way they are not one in the same. </p></blockquote> <p>R – R is for Reality T.V.</p> <blockquote> <p>Is it just me or will they just make a show out of anything?!?! I have banned it from my life (mostly). My hubby… not so much.</p></blockquote> <p>S – is for Stay-At-Home-Mom</p> <blockquote> <p>For the Stay-at-home-Mom portion of this post I would like to refer to this <a href="http://www.mommybreath.com/2010/07/originally-posted-mar.html">little gem</a> in which I rant about stay at home moms. I do still consider, with much guilt, myself to be one. I realize both of my kids are in school but that leaves summer, right?! Right??? ok. Whatever. I do work out of the house some evenings but mainly, embarrassingly hold on to my previous full time title. I don’t pay for childcare so it still counts, right?</p></blockquote> <p>T – T is for Travel</p> <blockquote> <p>I LOVE to travel. Who doesn’t? You would be surprised. A lot of people hate it. I, on the other hand, need it. I don’t care if it is by car, plane, boat, train or bus. Well… lets be clear, I would rather spend an eternity in a car jammed to the ceiling with kid crap and pillows than fly two hours even with plenty of leg room but I realize some evil is necessary. I have never in my life traveled by train but am eagerly wanting to. I don’t really care why but travel is something I feel drawn to do. I would love to see the world but a day trip three hours away suits me just fine too. Fancy cruise or camping trip. Does not matter. Must go. Now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <p>I have a ton of crap to do and it is summer so maybe I will cheap out and do another group post. Who signs up for a giant daily commitment with kids under foot anyway? This dummy. Deal. (and I’m sorry)</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-58993954840687490792013-06-15T01:44:00.001-05:002013-06-15T01:44:14.586-05:00L is for Lego Land!<p>In nearby Kansas City we have a Lego Land Discovery Center. It is not big and fancy like the amusement park Lego Land but it was sure to be a day filled with Legos so we were very excited. I may not be able to put into words the obsession my kids have with the dang things, how much I love them too, how cool it was to be surrounded by them all day, or how amazing the Lego Engineers truly are so I will take a stab with loads of crappy photography. </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fj6mvZa6lSY/UbwNCIo80_I/AAAAAAAABHs/-kZysjh1RK4/s1600-h/DSC038105.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03810" border="0" alt="DSC03810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L6PkWiD-kco/UbwNCZwfNbI/AAAAAAAABH0/L1KEkPvacRc/DSC03810_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="504"></a></p> <p align="center">2/3 pumped. 1/3 weirdo.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WVArBYgQaCk/UbwNC9EW04I/AAAAAAAABH8/nGER6C2UGWo/s1600-h/DSC038125.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03812" border="0" alt="DSC03812" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7JCB08GSatM/UbwNDAmxfAI/AAAAAAAABIE/aZX47-nJfFQ/DSC03812_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="378"></a></p> <p align="center">My little dude immediately decided this is the career path he would like to pursue. I can’t say I blame him. This guy was really cool to watch. </p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OEos_wul_60/UbwNDhWGOUI/AAAAAAAABIM/AUdUq6UgAf0/s1600-h/DSC038232.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03823" border="0" alt="DSC03823" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OgO1ZKaWFjE/UbwNDzz37dI/AAAAAAAABIU/5ETUvRhHd6o/DSC03823_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1SkxH3tFeTc/UbwNET3W17I/AAAAAAAABIc/5LdPUbAhuXA/s1600-h/DSC038242.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03824" border="0" alt="DSC03824" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pVlIlQdLH8E/UbwNEvD0nGI/AAAAAAAABIk/YLPT83RC3RI/DSC03824_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WDoSuzCUMTI/UbwNFA12taI/AAAAAAAABIs/_IfQVia6b5c/s1600-h/DSC038362.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03836" border="0" alt="DSC03836" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-56qqrlLKN3w/UbwNFQUJY6I/AAAAAAAABIw/qh12OvkgxAw/DSC03836_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OymPyeTyDf0/UbwNFrfKiUI/AAAAAAAABI8/kvpX4-S7i-k/s1600-h/DSC038262.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03826" border="0" alt="DSC03826" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sghYJxOY4qA/UbwNF7ZQoTI/AAAAAAAABJA/a06j-EB-N78/DSC03826_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> </p> <p align="center">This was my favorite part. The mini city. Incredible! Like a tiny KC with stadiums full of Chief’s fans and all. It would change from day to night about every 10 minutes too. That rocked!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7E82EcAHcvg/UbwNGMcomUI/AAAAAAAABJM/YE3c2nR9aIY/s1600-h/DSC038282.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03828" border="0" alt="DSC03828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UUfNhtOpzAw/UbwNGfrdB4I/AAAAAAAABJU/WsahFCz3eVc/DSC03828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-byH-Kiaog7o/UbwNG9j1ryI/AAAAAAAABJc/0yZK__En9AM/s1600-h/DSC038292.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03829" border="0" alt="DSC03829" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lSCkzHpJwwk/UbwNHHxktAI/AAAAAAAABJg/OxN_zlpKne0/DSC03829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QGmCJL1dZ1E/UbwNHbWh3hI/AAAAAAAABJs/HlpNnEXeFg8/s1600-h/DSC038332.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03833" border="0" alt="DSC03833" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J3EfmSfhT4E/UbwNHsf_nCI/AAAAAAAABJw/Jf11AuqbkQY/DSC03833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FxFBo3ChmTE/UbwNIHylDGI/AAAAAAAABJ8/8HSRaDpxJQY/s1600-h/DSC038322.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03832" border="0" alt="DSC03832" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6AtqmFC5PE/UbwNITkLAWI/AAAAAAAABKA/Ztip9wxSpN4/DSC03832_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a></p> <p align="center">I can not even try to describe this. Holy Wizard of Oz accurate! Sheesh!</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SJIb32jA5AE/UbwNIrNte9I/AAAAAAAABKM/QCA3fVbHyMA/s1600-h/DSC038444.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03844" border="0" alt="DSC03844" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c97DFHTQmSU/UbwNI-EFNNI/AAAAAAAABKU/6lFo7QJsY8A/DSC03844_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="423"></a></p> <p align="center">&nbsp; <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-woKttcSqHQQ/UbwNJQPFrcI/AAAAAAAABKc/ThVKv46TwpU/s1600-h/DSC038483.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03848" border="0" alt="DSC03848" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iWzIClfJTNQ/UbwNJzqlstI/AAAAAAAABKk/GrZvT4PB45I/DSC03848_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Xtmt615wGM/UbwNKHMfHpI/AAAAAAAABKs/PmT_PfoBh-E/s1600-h/DSC038504.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03850" border="0" alt="DSC03850" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Qrt7gt-Ji4/UbwNKTxVgVI/AAAAAAAABK0/cggR32404zs/DSC03850_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="333"></a></p> <p align="center">Giant ball pit/jungle gym type thingy, only filled with huge foam Legos.</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KeL9GXvU3WY/UbwNK14CzxI/AAAAAAAABK8/y99UXlv9XUA/s1600-h/DSC038495.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03849" border="0" alt="DSC03849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rEL1Fz1XW4Y/UbwNLLshdHI/AAAAAAAABLE/_pFvpE1p4mQ/DSC03849_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="496"></a></p> <p align="center">Wishing we had more girls to play with…</p> <p align="center">&nbsp; <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1LlfUnwR5SI/UbwNLveeUQI/AAAAAAAABLI/8clDkqRfbhM/s1600-h/DSC038513.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03851" border="0" alt="DSC03851" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q_MyX4kydrI/UbwNL9eGG3I/AAAAAAAABLQ/hVvAjuUz4T4/DSC03851_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">I made a castle fit for a Lego Princess.</p> <p align="center">&nbsp; <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0OBOjTPa0QY/UbwNMOCOhzI/AAAAAAAABLc/ZY3Q-rmLVHI/s1600-h/DSC038533.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03853" border="0" alt="DSC03853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MOwFen3sKUM/UbwNMj-bO3I/AAAAAAAABLk/gYHqoeplUAQ/DSC03853_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">My sister made a funny.</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pz66RONPsFQ/UbwNM90RrHI/AAAAAAAABLo/KTg6HN6qyA4/s1600-h/DSC038553.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03855" border="0" alt="DSC03855" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eag8peXGEWQ/UbwNNO4U2aI/AAAAAAAABL0/xV1Q7xS6iEA/DSC03855_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="173"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZrjzEKFfAU8/UbwNNru4WII/AAAAAAAABL8/l5DI5q1L0Y4/s1600-h/DSC038573.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03857" border="0" alt="DSC03857" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ToHuNJU2iEo/UbwNN1nOeSI/AAAAAAAABME/eSGbQOA5XNM/DSC03857_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="173"></a></p> <p align="center">We even took a class taught by a Lego Master (which I think I am). We made hammer head sharks. It was cool.</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MIkGPP0IyvQ/UbwNOWcltjI/AAAAAAAABMM/bgunp2xbzU8/s1600-h/DSC038603.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03860" border="0" alt="DSC03860" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-joVVJZddzCw/UbwNOtey5sI/AAAAAAAABMU/_AY5tUi8ID0/DSC03860_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="173"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FMbMWMiZJc8/UbwNPA9RuqI/AAAAAAAABMc/J5ZnzjUT-MU/s1600-h/DSC038593.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03859" border="0" alt="DSC03859" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C6D9_bnCz4s/UbwNPZZoIJI/AAAAAAAABMk/9CGqVlvCb7Y/DSC03859_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="173"></a> </p> <p align="center">Is this not a little boys dream?!</p> <p align="left">There were no fewer than 30 more pictures but they all suck the same as these so I’ll spare you. What else was there? A Lego Racers drag strip where you make your own car to race. A 4-D movie theater. We saw every movie they had. A Tower of Power tremble station where you build and earthquakes destroy you. Two nerdy little rides. Two clean bathrooms. A cafe. And last but not least a gift shop. Duh. I think I spent more there than it cost us to get in to the dang place! </p> <p align="left">A perfect mini vacation in early spring when it was still too cold out to do much of anything. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-38790315288978088242013-06-13T22:46:00.001-05:002013-06-13T22:46:42.535-05:00K is for Kansas City<p>I love KC! The hubbs and I try and get there as often as we can to hit our favorite concert venue. It is a cheap one tank trip. Usually about three and a half to four hours drive. </p> <p>Every once in while my sister and I like to plan something for our boys to do together. This year for spring break we hit the road to Kansas City. This lovely city I speak of not only has the second most fountains of any city in the world (Rome is #1) but every other hotel has a waterpark if you are out in the burbs. Home to the Great Wolf Lodge *swoon* and about 7 other indoor/outdoor waterparks. </p> <p>We decided to stay at one of the cheaper spots because we had big plans for the next day (That will be my ‘L’ post!). The kids had a blast and I can’t count how many times we all did the giant slide, sister included. We stayed up until like 11:00 and gorged on pizza after our pool play. </p> <p>It was freakin’ awesome! Check it out:</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pvcYaB8Mz6c/UbqSEi0LYpI/AAAAAAAABGU/LAoBhd8DQ80/s1600-h/DSC03797%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03797" border="0" alt="DSC03797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k-Gr1IzkfK4/UbqSFDdTM6I/AAAAAAAABGc/WGyt85kTQEg/DSC03797_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n3wnSCqgn3E/UbqSFQmO1kI/AAAAAAAABGk/XxsEx52aM3E/s1600-h/DSC03800%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03800" border="0" alt="DSC03800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YSy6CBIN9W0/UbqSFzymPWI/AAAAAAAABGs/_t3MZSS6Knc/DSC03800_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2WlttSsshuQ/UbqSGa6QkuI/AAAAAAAABG0/j_paA8D8Mv0/s1600-h/DSC03801%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03801" border="0" alt="DSC03801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AcsneniYJdI/UbqSGvFvJ7I/AAAAAAAABG8/7fGvHADvPhM/DSC03801_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-68glDDC7ONo/UbqSG4kxcPI/AAAAAAAABHE/HrNre0pSc5c/s1600-h/DSC03803%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03803" border="0" alt="DSC03803" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z3ddFoBoWf8/UbqSHaujhaI/AAAAAAAABHM/aL8E1WbKhVw/DSC03803_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="520"></a></p> <p align="center">We were unsure of what my nephew’s reaction would be. This is his first time down and he does not look pleased but he bounced off and ran up for more! Champ. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s403x403/600318_10151661159373766_1471955095_n.jpg" width="302" height="403"></p> <p align="center">I know this is not the best pic but did you see in the previous pic how the tubes go out of the building? Well, this is the outside! </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tWbTGaxhUR4/UbqSHwVt1sI/AAAAAAAABHU/_ss2C_Tm4i4/s1600-h/DSC03805%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03805" border="0" alt="DSC03805" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZBqjFL3GZ8g/UbqSIDF8sVI/AAAAAAAABHc/oRVVDfg_-LE/DSC03805_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center">Cousins. Sissy, I think we are in trouble.</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-3421475523565801182013-06-12T23:36:00.001-05:002013-06-12T23:36:54.276-05:00J is for Just Keep Swimming<p>Let me begin by saying that Finding Nemo has got to be my favorite Disney movie. Just love it.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/1249/80237_33.jpg" width="320" height="240"></p> <p>Then let me say that we spent the day swimming. I think the tops of my thighs are burnt. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="http://sheree.smugmug.com/Flowers/Garden/IMG0212/859924497_2yyp2-M.jpg" width="470" height="356"></p> <p>Right about there is where I spent my time frying today. A huge thank you to my Mother-in-Law! Not only do we get to spend time in the gorgeous oasis, we get on demand PBJ’s. ;)</p> <p>“Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming”.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-45252648920063880912013-06-11T23:30:00.001-05:002013-06-11T23:30:47.981-05:00I is for IMDb<p>I am addicted to the Internet Movie Database. It has solved many an argument. You can look up movies, shows, actors, soundtracks, basically anything you want to know about Hollywood goings-on. I watch trailers, find new release info, actor bios, hours of fun. </p> <p>I implore you to check it out if by chance you are the only person on the planet who has not already. </p> <p><a title="http://www.imdb.com/" href="http://www.imdb.com/">http://www.imdb.com/</a></p> <p>Lame post. This is way harder than I thought. Besides, who wants to piss anybody off on letter 9 out of 26?!</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-12934125819374778852013-06-10T09:48:00.001-05:002013-06-10T09:48:31.129-05:00H is for Hash tag<p>Hash tag. Ugh. </p> <p>I don’t tweet. I have never been into or onto Twitter. I think that blogging and Facebook are narcissistic enough for me and I don’t need another way to shout out to the world what cereal I had this morning. </p> <p>Back in my day (tee hee) that symbol was called a number sign. On the telephone it is the pound key. </p> <p>So how do I know about this hash tag if I do not ever use Twitter? Because whether being funny, or just addicted to fad crap it is all over Facebook! I am not sure of the purpose of hash tagging stuff on Facebook. Could it be that the two are linked? If you hash tag something on Facebook does that mean I can go to Twitter and find it under those selected phrases? </p> <p>I am so confused and as with all things I don’t completely understand, I hate it.</p> <p>It is annoying. Please stop. </p> <p>Much love.</p> <p>#momispissed&nbsp;&nbsp; #thingsiwillneverunderstand&nbsp; #everybodylookatme&nbsp; </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-55583736996443270852013-06-09T20:29:00.001-05:002013-06-09T20:29:29.599-05:00G is for Grief<p><strong>grief&nbsp; </strong><em>noun</em> \ˈgrēf\&nbsp;&nbsp; <blockquote> <p><strong>a:</strong> deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement. <p><strong>b: </strong>trouble, annoyance <p><strong>c:</strong> playful criticism </p></blockquote> <p>&nbsp; <p>a: We recently suffered a large amount of grief in our family with the loss of my dear Grannie. It was unexpected and sudden and life altering. She was such a large part of my life I think I was in denial of ever losing her. Silly, huh? As the strong matriarchal figure in our family she is greatly missed. Every day brings memories I didn’t think I would so soon have to recall. She is everywhere and in everything we do. The phrase “my heart swells with pride/joy/love” I think can also be true for grief. My heart swells with grief. If not for my loving family and my super compassionate husband, I fear it would consume me wholly. It is a physical ache brought on by emotion that is not comparable to any other feeling. <p>b: “I have had enough grief for one day” or my all time favorite “Good grief!” <p align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0LmIgwAgYj2YGh-EDH6yy6Xxc8JXX6z_gGBznfyGb0k2N6GIc" width="152" height="208"></p> <p>&nbsp; <p>c: I am full of this kind of grief. I love to poke fun. If you happen to be in my company while doing something unintentionally dumb I will give you grief for it. For a long time probably. I also am not the most graceful or particularly lucky person so I, too, receive my fair share of grief. All in fun. Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-74317858793139040622013-06-09T18:45:00.001-05:002013-06-09T18:45:28.685-05:00F is for Feet<p>I really don’t like them . Not even a little. I know they are a very important part of things like standing and walking but I think they are kind of gross really. </p> <p>On the flip side of my dislike I really can’t stand wearing shoes if I don’t have to. I am barefoot a lot. I wear flip-flops most of the summer even though I know how truly disgusting that is. </p> <p>I do, however love my kids feet. My dudes are 8 and 6 and it is not unusual for me to freely hand out a good foot massage when it is time to cut toenails. </p> <p>One of my husband’s favorite stories to tell is when we were practically strangers and he saved me from a splinter in my foot. I was irked out and in a good amount of surprise and pain and he took charge and rode to my rescue.</p> <p>I don’t know where the dislike of this particular body part stems from other than I have seen some pretty freakin’ nasty ones in my lifetime. Mine are not particularly bad either. They are slender with high arches and no funky toes. </p> <p>Feet are nasty. That is all. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2EreJZe6dEU/UbUTlnCrPMI/AAAAAAAABF8/mtkDob25zvs/s1600-h/DSC03555%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC03555" border="0" alt="DSC03555" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WCFUaO2w6uc/UbUTl-o0hmI/AAAAAAAABGE/SJU6rbfrbwk/DSC03555_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="350"></a> Yes that is a gash on my pinky toe. I cut it on my beach chair. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-18770703915096681742013-06-07T11:01:00.001-05:002013-06-07T11:01:21.454-05:00E is for Eleven<p>Here are eleven things that start with E:</p> <p>1. Emilie. Had to start with the obvious. </p> <p>2. Elephants. We have a new baby elephant at our zoo. It is the talk of the town. </p> <p>3. Elevated heart rate. Today is Notional Donut Day. My timing is poopy but my belly is full.</p> <p>4. Elongated telephone good-byes. Just hang the F up already!</p> <p>5. Eleventy. I love made up words and speaking in hyperbole. “My kids will say ‘mommy’ eleventy thousand times before the day is done”. </p> <p>6. Erasure. Anybody else still love this band? </p> <p>7. Elevators. Hate them for three reasons. They are tiny, they are scary, and they are going up higher than I planned to walk. </p> <p>8. E-cards. Dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb. And lazy.</p> <p>9. Edamame. Ew. Don’t like it, won’t eat it. </p> <p>10. Eyeglasses. I need new ones so bad but I have this strange loathing of the whole process. </p> <p>11. Enough. This post is so dumb. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-31473731560884435972013-06-06T11:22:00.001-05:002013-06-06T11:22:51.362-05:00C is for Chow Chow<p>C!!! I FORGOT C!!! </p> <p>Anyone who is surprised by my lack of understanding when it comes to the sequence of the English alphabet please see the <a href="http://www.mommybreath.com/2013/06/a-is-for-add.html">“A”</a> post. That should clear things up.</p> <p>I forgot C. Shit.</p> <p>We are a Chow Chow family. We really do love the breed. Generally there are two type of people: those that love a Chow and those that have been mauled by one. Let me begin by saying that this breed is not for everyone but hey, you would never see me owning a Greyhound or a Dachshund either. </p> <p>Chows, in my experience, are dangerously loyal, loving, and smart. They cuddle and play and take pack order very seriously. They need discipline with behavior but when it comes to hygiene they are pretty particular and clean. The attitude that comes off my dog is comparable to a cat sometimes. She will be totally cool to snuggle or play but when she’s done with you she’s all Miss Independent. I love that bitch!</p> <p>The truth is I was very apprehensive to get the Chow we have now. We had our Lucille who was a cinnamon Chow for 11 years when we had to do the most humane thing possible and say goodbye. I didn’t know if I even liked her when we met but very shortly I was smitten and she loved me right back. My then boyfriend/now husband would even blame me for “ruining'” her. I took his tough girl and made her my baby. The thought of getting another of the same breed made me sad and a little nervous. I suggested adopting, maybe something bigger, something that wouldn’t remind me of Lou so much. I also thought with such a bully breed rap these guys get what if we had the one good one? What if it was a fluke. We were ready for a new dog but I was so unsure. My husband insisted we have another Chow. </p> <p>We had a wonderful opportunity to go to Ohio and pick up our new baby. I was a little standoffish having not got my way. But in the 7ish hours it took us to get home I was in love. That sweet tiny fur ball slept in my lap the whole way. I would like to think it was a very necessary bonding time. Dear hubbs thought we were picking out his next dog but little did we know, she was already mine. </p> <p>She was so black (how black was she?) just kidding. Not going there. She did have an all black body, black eyes, back tongue, black. I could not for the life of me get a picture. So I called the best baby photographer and told her I needed baby pics at once.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p206x206/28962_1274058856233_8375074_n.jpg" width="310" height="206"></p> <p align="center">Together now… awww…</p> <p>I will skip ahead so you don’t have to hear my mommy ranting about how I have the best dog in the whole wide world while simultaneously patting myself on the back because the dog really does reflect the owner. I will not tell you that everyone (well there was that one guy) who comes in contact with her also falls in love. She is good with babies, the groomer swoons, she is even pretty good with other dogs. She is sweet and cuddly… ok! I’ll stop. </p> <p>Photo montage of my Pepper (that is what you get when you have a black dog and let your small children have final say on the name). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-39zgJLoemlo/UbC3O36OlTI/AAAAAAAABD0/0ZA2kenAYRA/s1600-h/DSC01499%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01499" border="0" alt="DSC01499" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ljm9UQfic70/UbC3PeUHnhI/AAAAAAAABD8/BNtQpCXQlHw/DSC01499_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FWO7TKuBopU/UbC3PpPYUUI/AAAAAAAABEE/yh0N4axczTw/s1600-h/DSC01491%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC01491" border="0" alt="DSC01491" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nKvB_YKLINQ/UbC3QX2eo8I/AAAAAAAABEM/PA5ar_VGtLk/DSC01491_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uHFPKXN1D9Y/UbC3Q3f2VEI/AAAAAAAABEU/Er2HDLhiIGo/s1600-h/DSC01941%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC01941" border="0" alt="DSC01941" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cGaIMi_4-Jw/UbC3Rupmj4I/AAAAAAAABEc/WDuKJKl33HQ/DSC01941_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pXP6LeBCsdE/UbC3SMqusxI/AAAAAAAABEk/ptEh7s_T1qM/s1600-h/DSC01953%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC01953" border="0" alt="DSC01953" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U2rtL6uJB3E/UbC3SkCDVKI/AAAAAAAABEs/pHpQVrHcnxM/DSC01953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IzzA4_XdV-8/UbC3TPzbknI/AAAAAAAABE0/JTDCI8qMVhg/s1600-h/DSC01957%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC01957" border="0" alt="DSC01957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hkq21qpjwvA/UbC3Tp9kKeI/AAAAAAAABE8/goATUVgFnB4/DSC01957_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pqn3lI1DP3U/UbC3UGZBtFI/AAAAAAAABFE/Vhm43rotciI/s1600-h/DSC02109%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC02109" border="0" alt="DSC02109" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c42JVgyUtyU/UbC3UbFdaFI/AAAAAAAABFM/iGlEtWZWYfI/DSC02109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UPNTtDTXA6w/UbC3VQGAQGI/AAAAAAAABFU/UUvxicnubfI/s1600-h/DSC02112%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02112" border="0" alt="DSC02112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rz0quNTMCHY/UbC3VuCsR3I/AAAAAAAABFc/XJeBGuGIYNI/DSC02112_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center"> Obviously this dog is super vicious. </p> <p>&nbsp; <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mJ70kw6vGxc/UbC3WI6oqLI/AAAAAAAABFk/8uLFnlbgFcU/s1600-h/286679_568507929831295_1029623806_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="286679_568507929831295_1029623806_o" border="0" alt="286679_568507929831295_1029623806_o" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UFL65WWb_mQ/UbC3WvdgdjI/AAAAAAAABFs/XjLtIJvGIjA/286679_568507929831295_1029623806_o_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="454"></a></p> <p align="center">I joke about this being like her senior picture. </p> <p align="center">She is 3 now. Besides needing a bath in this photo, isn’t she gorgeous? </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-72065269796832925852013-06-06T10:25:00.001-05:002013-06-06T10:25:35.685-05:00D is for Donuts<p>Out of all the things that start with D, I go for donuts. They could be considered my #1 guilty pleasure. I make them at home, buy them from the grocery store, but love to frequent little Mom and Pop donut shops. There are plenty of posers around town here. Places that appear to be a good idea on the outside but when in you realize the place is run by teens and the goodies are sub par. I have a few favorites and I pick them on diner standards. Longevity, food quality, and word of mouth. I’m not looking for a 4 star breakfast, just a damn good donut. Here’s my top two, to me the rest are a waste.</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X5Ih_O1BPOQ/UbCp6ku4FpI/AAAAAAAABDc/-BiMUNbmh9A/s1600-h/51a8c8cf14754bb0d237160c0ffa7c33%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="51a8c8cf14754bb0d237160c0ffa7c33[1]" border="0" alt="51a8c8cf14754bb0d237160c0ffa7c33[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBXt4bXQxKg/UbCp7Sh9p0I/AAAAAAAABDk/2j62MbutQ00/51a8c8cf14754bb0d237160c0ffa7c33%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="233"></a> </p> <p>There’s this fancy (ahem) place in St. Charles that starts throwing the flour and sugar around at the break of dawn. They are busy because their treats are delish. If you don’t get there before 10am then all you get is rudeness and a ring side seat to watch half a dozen old guys pound coffee, no more donuts. My favorite are the plain ones here. Slightly glazed buttermilk. Yum!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><img title="Mario's Donuts and Cafe" alt="Mario's Donuts and Cafe" src="http://cafemario.com/wp-content/themes/Glaze/images/marios-logo.png"></p> <p align="left">Mario’s is my favorite! They are a donut shop and Mediterranean cafe. Weird combo, I know. This Greek guy, oddly named Mario, is the mastermind behind this gem. They have two locations here in town. There is nothing on the menu that is not good. They have a plate size apple fritter that my hubby is addicted to. Good thing it is big enough to share… with a village. </p> <p align="left">Commercially I will throw a little high five at the Entenmanns Rich Chocolate Donut. It is a super expensive treat that I only buy when really on sale. They are just chocolate covered donuts but the chocolate coating isn’t waxy like the tiny ones of another brand. To me, That is very important. </p> <p align="left">It is truly an wonder I don’t weigh 500lbs! Sheesh! </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-88163489028312828862013-06-04T12:35:00.001-05:002013-06-04T12:35:56.330-05:00B is for Boys<p>When the hubbs and I were first entertaining the idea of offspring I used to pray for God to bless me with a whole house full of boys. Since growing up in an all female household, I was ready for a beast of a different gender. I had romantic visions of four or five great big dudes who eat like horses and call their momma ma’am. Then I had one. Then two. That is when I realized it was just more work to have more. So I threw my hands to the sky and said “Ok! That’s enough. This house is full.” I am happy. Then I look around the house and I think I must have been suffering a psychotic episode when I wanted a handful of these freaks. My two keep me busy enough to be exhausted always. </p> <p>I am completely smitten by my little momma’s boys. They are weird, they are smart, they are gross, and they are all mine. I like to encourage individuality and creativity. I don’t get my panties in a bunch about dirt. After coming so close to losing one I never take them for granted. It breaks my heart to watch them getting so big so fast and then the pieces get all glued back together with overwhelming pride. </p> <p>I am no saint and I am definitely not getting my Mother of the Year award any time soon but I love my two little boys. </p> <p>Let’s enjoy the dudes with some pictures:</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a0D-buq9XFk/Ua4lVcxV3BI/AAAAAAAABBE/GLQ6vPN4OKA/s1600-h/0624082018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="0624082018" border="0" alt="0624082018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ET6QolupqAA/Ua4lVwmIxnI/AAAAAAAABBM/ZDtVwQKxO4g/0624082018_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="378"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="center"> This was our Christmas card in 2008. No joke, it said “Hope your Christmas Rocks!”&nbsp; </p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4fhNZ33HR3o/Ua4lWVUtAqI/AAAAAAAABBU/_jYn9C3SK4o/s1600-h/HPIM1378%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="HPIM1378" border="0" alt="HPIM1378" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KOO-yX-4iwo/Ua4lWyTQsXI/AAAAAAAABBc/Xt5UtqdrYF8/HPIM1378_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="383"></a></p> <p align="center">Apprehending bad guys I presume. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2rgSTFuwOPU/Ua4lXXHow2I/AAAAAAAABBk/aWlcDzTtV54/s1600-h/HPIM1386%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="HPIM1386" border="0" alt="HPIM1386" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nx1OgUVd9oA/Ua4lX1ONIlI/AAAAAAAABBs/6uUzaHAGkPI/HPIM1386_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="383"></a></p> <p align="center">Pretty sure I said “Smile!” and I got this. Huh.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TUEaxp_daus/Ua4lYQoJQcI/AAAAAAAABB0/9mufvteY0lI/s1600-h/DSC00338%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00338" border="0" alt="DSC00338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U6tD4ul0AKY/Ua4lY-AMEyI/AAAAAAAABB8/Pzz1VRU0AEY/DSC00338_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">One of our many nature hikes. It was only a 150 degrees out this day. We wore pants to trudge through the woods tho.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zat2Uch5lxg/Ua4lZp049QI/AAAAAAAABCE/N85pXnNwP-0/s1600-h/DSC00862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00862" border="0" alt="DSC00862" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AjkhXKVyFSg/Ua4laUYPP0I/AAAAAAAABCM/rpFtdnZOVJE/DSC00862_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">Fall 2010? </p> <p align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0f4AMqVhHHA/Ua4lbIOfm5I/AAAAAAAABCU/1ymh5s0r2l8/s1600-h/DSC01445%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01445" border="0" alt="DSC01445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I1oAO8RV2-8/Ua4lbgqb9nI/AAAAAAAABCc/6S9D59tZZYg/DSC01445_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">The only hotel room we found on our trip to Ohio was the honeymoon suite. Sheesh. This tub was in the living room. We watched T.V. while the kids “swam”. It was weird. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzMpZax11gs/Ua4lcU4btTI/AAAAAAAABCk/j9sY0eC7tyk/s1600-h/DSC02715%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02715" border="0" alt="DSC02715" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1l-Ir3xlbl4/Ua4lc2FynzI/AAAAAAAABCs/kTs3hxGeIgg/DSC02715_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center">Really, guys?! Really?!?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qk-R0wyIPeI/Ua4ldYbqjmI/AAAAAAAABC0/6CY9maydv5I/s1600-h/DSC03352%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC03352" border="0" alt="DSC03352" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rib7oBt-t28/Ua4ld4AWMMI/AAAAAAAABC8/SAFBLea9MNA/DSC03352_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">Halloween 2012. </p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LJ5XRY5aIRw/Ua4leO-UEmI/AAAAAAAABDE/Y78psoOty9k/s1600-h/400541_10151640894458766_534386945_n%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="400541_10151640894458766_534386945_n" border="0" alt="400541_10151640894458766_534386945_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AcI6WEkQhj8/Ua4levUSwFI/AAAAAAAABDM/DBuRaCkUcnM/400541_10151640894458766_534386945_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="504"></a> </p> <blockquote> <p align="center"> Playing in the river in the parking lot of the Boathouse in old St. Charles. Water is high and cold!</p></blockquote> <p align="left">So I made it two days in a row. I am patting myself on the back just a little. I hope I can keep it up. Wish me luck!</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-63758557122162369202013-06-04T01:11:00.001-05:002013-06-04T01:11:03.150-05:00A is for ADD<p>Well this is the beginning. Technically three days late. Surprised? Me neither. </p> <p>Let me tell you what did surprise me. A text message from my dear cousin telling me it was June 3rd and she was eagerly awaiting the beginning of my A to Z blog challenge that I promised would begin on June 1st. Shit.</p> <p>Let me start by saying that, slightly embarrassed, and two beers in to sitting down at the computer I had to get up for some BBQ chips. Gosh! Where do I start?! </p> <p>The beginning then. </p> <p>I am a totally kick ass stay at home mom. This is not my ego talking. It is pure fact. One that has been stated openly by many a stranger. Don’t get me wrong, I am kick ass on the side of the children. What I am not: parent who has endless hours of time to devote into a pre-K curriculum, dying to have the smartest three year old in the whole wide preschool. What I am: a bonified get dirty, play outside, nature hike, drink out of the hose, not wear shoes at all mother of boys. Real boys. ( I think I will save the best parts of this mini-rant for tomorrow). </p> <p>So… in a nutshell Kindergarten has killed me. Maimed my spirit. Cut me down at my lonely knees. P.S. I hate it.</p> <p>I was prepared to suck at being alone. I even warned those close to me that it might suck for them for a short while too. What I didn’t prepare for was the fact that my kiddo would be in school for the whole school year. Duh. </p> <p>Am I talking in circles yet? Hang in there.</p> <p>I warned my husband there might be a grieving period since I knew how hard it was to send my oldest to school. I had no idea how serious shit would get when my baby boarded that bus and pretty much gave me the finger. People would joke “What will you do with your whole day?! Will you get a <em>real</em> job?!”. At least I think they were joking. And I jokingly replied that I would be sad for a bit but should be recovered by around Christmas time. Oh hell, was I wrong!</p> <p>By Christmas I had “lost” three gallons of milk (two fell off the car and the third was left out in the garage to rot/freeze) (shut up), completely misplaced Santa requests four times and failed to do about 35% of 60% of the laundry in the house. This is when I came upon the realization that I was a kick ass stay at home mom because I was rockin’ a serious case of ADD. Has anyone tried keeping a toddler entertained? Because I am&nbsp; pro. Not ADHD, I don’t have the energy for that crap. But ADD. Sheesh. I wish I was ADHD ‘cuz then then I could be on those fancy drugs that make me both productive<em> and </em>skinny<em>. </em>Not me. Just your average, garden variety scatter brain. </p> <p>So I make lists of lists that I forget where they are placed. Then devise system after system of calendar reminders, that get lost. Then it occurs to me maybe I should quit whining because exactly one half of my household is an unmediated but fully functioning ADHD person. Then I realize… If I know I’m a crazy person and don’t take full advantage of my group plan doesn’t that make me crazy?!?! Sheesh! </p> <p>Anyhoo… I made it to A. Ugh. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-22752787376704674782013-05-30T22:42:00.001-05:002013-05-30T22:42:58.792-05:00A to Z Blog Challenge<p>My cousin <a href="http://lilspydermunkey.wordpress.com/">Monica</a> has sent out an Alphabet Soup Challenge. I hesitated. Such is my nature. Or is it procrastinated? We shall never know. </p> <p>Most bloggers that did this called it the April A to Z Challenge and completed it in April 2013 as a part of a giant blog hop. I am now making it a personal mission to complete. In June. Do things on time? So out of character for me. </p> <p>Any hoo… I plan (success unknown) to post every day starting with a letter of the alphabet. Hopefully in order. In English. </p> <p>So starting on June 1st, God willing and attention span be damned, I will post my “A” entry. It will be riveting. Or not. But I have yet to ever turn down a dare and when said cousin “urged” me to participate I made a stupid promise. </p> <p>We shall see how this month goes considering I have been in the biggest writing funk ever. </p> <p>Monica, I will thank you in advance. This is going to happen. </p> <p>XO </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-34440808618552421062013-05-08T09:25:00.001-05:002013-05-08T09:25:12.865-05:00Wordless Wednesday<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dOW3BAQG--c/UYpgPFumLfI/AAAAAAAABAk/TZc35jY5NTA/s1600-h/DSC00505%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC00505" border="0" alt="DSC00505" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LQ0Wkh4KS-I/UYpgQqyn6fI/AAAAAAAABAs/JkipJWHdbkc/DSC00505_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="378"></a></p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-50173121749006681572013-02-20T16:13:00.001-06:002013-02-20T16:13:57.445-06:00Shop with me.<p>A whole bunch of really exciting crap has been going on around here. We survived the holidays (all of them), my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, my little weirdo had another birthday, and we have all been-knock on wood-pretty healthy. But today I feel the need to enjoy a little ranting. So lets go shopping.</p> <p>I do almost all, who are we kidding, the shopping for our household. I enjoy most of it. For the most part. There are only a few things I don’t enjoy, the top of that list being other people. I like to get in, get what I came for, and get out at the grocery store. Places like Target and (heaven forbid) Wal-Mart I sometimes browse, sometimes need to run in real quick. Then there are my trips to Home Depot or Lowe’s, Home Goods, Jo Ann Fabrics, or Michaels which I like to take my time. So why is it that the only people you see in the grocery store are the people that don’t really work there? Wal-Mart falls prey to this ridiculous phenomenon too. I am running in with my list and I can’t find that one item that would make my life and my list complete. Who do I see? Nabisco reps, the Pepsi Co. guy, the Hallmark lady, but not a single store employee. If I do by chance find an actual employee of the store I am in then he is the newest guy and got sent out to the aisles on a dare. He knows nothing. All I wanted is a freaking can of artichokes that are usually by the olives but that whole section was just recently relocated as per some genius who apparently does zero shopping in the store they make decisions for. My shopping trip has been extended by an unreasonable amount of time, I have walked an unnecessary five miles, and I give the whole experience an annoyance rating of pretty f*cking annoying. </p> <p>On the flip side… lets start at one of those home improvement places. True story: I went in to Home Depot to look around. Weird, huh? I had a couple little projects in mind (don’t I always) and I had about an hour to blow. Upon entering I am greeted at the door. That was nice. No, I don’t think I will need a cart. No, I have not got a specific item I can have you point me to. Thank you. Then about seven feet from the greeter was another guy in orange. No thanks, I just walked in. No, I do not have a certain project I am working on. Then I successfully make it another eight or nine feet before a third Home Depot guy asks me all the same questions, as if from a script, only this one follows me. Seriously?! I figure with it being the beginning of the year they must have had some staff meeting about sufficiently getting into everyone’s business. This is slightly confusing to me since way back in the day when I did my short stint in retail we were coached that the customer will buy more sh*t on impulse if left to browse. Don’t get me wrong, it is nice to have an employee’s help when locating an item or asking advice. Bottom line: be available but let’s stop just shy of annoying. The barrage of questions turns to a comical level and I cave. I mentioned the one thing I need that I <em>know</em> they don’t have. Dummy spindles. *blink blink* Nuthin’. Ha! Then he wants to know all about why I need them. Sh*t. I explain. Then out of sheer kindness I endure an unnecessary 10 minutes looking at bolts that “might” work. WTF?! Let me assure you I am not lost in a hardware store. I am also not a total dip sh*t about my needs. So what is the dang deal? I was an unshowered, crazy haired, mid thirties mess so they didn’t mistake me for a Hardee’s commercial. I don’t get it. Whatever.</p> <p>I am completely frazzled so I wander to the paint section to look around. There’s another one! Only this time I am positive it is in the employee handbook to be obnoxious because this one could have been my grandma. She says “Is there any specific project you are working on?”. So I let her have it. Eighty miles an hour. “Well actually… I just bought a brand new house and most of my walls are still white except the living room and the kitchen which my husband painted the most perfect color of tan that I picked out and I was thinking about doing the dining room in orange but not pumpkin more like rust but then I really like blue but do I go robin’s egg or navy-ish because it can’t clash with the light olive that I painted the office which is right across the foyer which is still white because I really want a yellow but not sunshine more like gold but not too gold because it has to go with the tan that we picked with yellow undertones because the tan I had in my old house was sort of peach so more like maize and then my youngest son really wants his room red but I really only want to do one wall in red and the rest in a light brown to stay with the sports theme we kind of have going in that pit of hell and then there’s my oldest who likes blue but I just did the boy’s bathroom in a pale blue to match the Angry Birds shower curtain that I had a great coupon for but isn’t gray the new hot color should I re-do the downstairs in gray even though I had already planned on a airy gray for my bedroom that I carefully picked off the white pallet to match my white and blue bed set which I also got a really great deal on so maybe I’ll just look around for a bit K?”. tee hee.</p> <p>Crickets. This poor thing is looking at me like I have four heads. She opens her mouth. Then closes it. Then very delicately says “Here is a brochure of the latest interior fashions” and walks away. Thank you Jesus! That was fun. So I take my time looking at paint. Alone. *sigh* Then after a little while, and this always happens, I get confused by seeing a giant wall of paint chips so I take the few that I have in my hand and walk off to think. Walking in the lumber section so there is no color confusion while I think it happens again. This time another woman. I immediately look around for cameras. Is this a joke? Am I on Ellen?! I refuse her help two or three times and walk back to the paint center where the older lady and her younger co-worker have obviously been talking about me because they both have the look on their faces like “oh-sh*t-it’s-her” (hee hee) and I very politely and specifically ask for the color I decided would grace my dining room whether the hubbs likes it or not. Which turned out great, here look: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QOCqwMIFjUs/USVKoeRfvOI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/CzvLj3ZqmFM/s1600-h/DSC03796%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03796" border="0" alt="DSC03796" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5tCbI7H8U_o/USVKo5zlCMI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/bcy2D-JSOYw/DSC03796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Just look at the color and stop judging. I don’t have many tablecloths that fit and I sure as hell don’t iron!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"></font></p> <p>“But what about all the other places?” you might ask. Well, let’s see. In Jo Ann’s it is nearly impossible to locate someone who is not cutting fabric but if you do they will follow you around the store until you leave. Home goods? The employees there sneak around corners watching you but when you have a question they haven’t a clue. Sort of like they are fake employees or maybe name tag wearing security which in itself is hilarious because 80% of the stuff in there barely fits in my trunk much less in my pocket. My favorite place to shop? Garden Ridge for home decor, but you will need a shower directly after leaving and Whole Foods, but who can afford it?! </p> <p>Now that I have said my peace… happy shopping!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-10756560411713807802012-12-20T22:20:00.001-06:002012-12-20T22:20:25.093-06:00‘Tis the Season<p>Here it is folks. It’s that time of year. Sheesh. How many of you are you are so sick of the holiday clichés? It comes down to these few last days before the end of the year and I am just ready to have it over with. Sorry Jesus. I feel the same about almost anything I have to plan that includes other people. Sorry people. This may actually turn in to a rant so if you find yourself filled with the Spirit, you may want to just click the little x in the top right corner. </p> <p>Unfortunately it is right about now I become a bi-polar Chrismafreakakonis. I really love the magic and the wonder and the kindness but hate the rush and the stuff and the other stuff. You follow? Let me ‘splain. </p> <p>It irritates me to no end that this time of year for so many (you know who you are and you can pretend all you want but we know who you are too!) revolves around buying shit. To remedy this feeling of loathe at a time of year when I should have only joy in my heart I did away with most of the stuff. I refused the mall. I bought only things I thought were from my heart and I made a lot of gifts this year. I have a hard time explaining to my kids why Santa loves (with tons of shit) little Johnny more and why he hates poor kids. We all know none of this is true but in the end think of what it looks like to a five year old. It breaks my heart. I remember the days (thank you Mom, I love you and now I get it) when I would be upset with Santa thinking maybe I wasn’t good enough this year because I had one Cabbage Patch doll under the tree and apples and oranges in my stocking. Looking back, I am forever grateful that he came at all. For goodness sake people, if you are going to spoil the shit out of your brats do it on their birthday, not Jesus’. </p> <p>So while I assemble 38 candy cane reindeer and bawl my ass off over stupid things like “Oh, Holy Night” (damn it Celine, you are destroying more than the English language when you sing, my dignity goes to hell too) it makes me wonder “when will the wonder die?”. I’m sure in the next year my eight year old will figure out why Carl the Elf didn’t move and my heart will shrivel a little. It saddens me. I want to teach my beasts that kindness is not just a cold weather activity. We volunteer all year long and I can’t help but think we could all be doing a little bit more this time of year. </p> <p>A dear friend posted not long ago that she didn’t understand why people were boasting about their kindness on Facebook. Shouldn't kindness come free of reward? Yes. But sometimes it feels so good that you want to shout it to the heavens and hopefully inspire someone who wasn’t in the loving and giving mood. That being said some crappy ass soccer mom bought my latte today in the drive-thru. I was pissed. She just drove off before I got a chance to thank her for her unnecessary kindness! I was so surprised, and I had already dug out my five bucks, that I paid for the dude behind me with a “well shit then, I’ll just get his”. Oh, and dipshit at Whole Foods last week… it was me, you’re welcome. Lucky you I wasn’t in a purse stealing mood.</p> <p>I was raised very well (and Catholic) and I am trying to teach my children with love, forgiveness, and kind hearted behavior instead of straight Dogma but this time of year it is so easy to dismiss the should have for the must have. I want them to know that I love them by the way I act instead of the things I buy. Call me cheap, call me a hippie, but if it really matters follow my lead. I get a lot of questions about Christmas and I answer each one with well thought out and gentle honesty. I am not trying to kill Santa and I surely do not want them to miss the real reason that we all celebrate our winters the way we do whatever your religion, trust me I have had a lot of questions this year! Santa will come to our house, and since my boys have been having a hard time with the ol’ love thy brother thing they have mostly things they have to share coming from the big guy. </p> <p>Since this will be my last post of the year I implore you to go out in to this great big world and make a difference in someone’s day, no matter how small, they will notice. I promise.</p> <p>Please know that I appreciate you and I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Blessed Solstice, Cheerful Kwanza… whatever your belief… much love to you. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zx4m1G0I6ME/UNPjhQ76UGI/AAAAAAAAA-A/vk7IoLk1CQg/s1600-h/Xmas2012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Xmas2012" border="0" alt="Xmas2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wsU7z7SYb4E/UNPjiKYuFHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/ELicxvhgrFo/Xmas2012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="592"></a></p> <p>See ya’ll next year… unless the Mayans were right. Either way I am gonna stay up past midnight… I’ll let ya know how that goes. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-60307006104796738252012-11-19T19:52:00.001-06:002012-11-19T19:52:18.763-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 7 (final installment)<p>The last full day at sea we spent all day at the pool but since we were headed north to the Bahamas the weather was starting to cool and the wind was really picking up. That evening we ate Brazilian and went to see the Legends in Concert. It is a hilarious celebrity impersonators show. The Legends company does shows all over and are very picky about their stars. They have to fit the celebrity to the tee, looks and voice. It was so fun!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8jqgJ8Bj1vE/UKriNIDQjJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/AhY6-TVlUFg/s1600-h/DSC03674%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03674" border="0" alt="DSC03674" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AXgXsUSC8m4/UKriNs6lrTI/AAAAAAAAA7k/lbY5cVn1P2o/DSC03674_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">We were entertained by Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Jimmy Buffet. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I6yyDtqmY8g/UKriOPPW0vI/AAAAAAAAA7s/d78Thq2JU2M/s1600-h/DSC03676%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03676" border="0" alt="DSC03676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yX8Ag74KuGI/UKriOzRGp8I/AAAAAAAAA70/GYb2uhLKdVQ/DSC03676_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">Anyone who really knows me also knows I couldn’t resist. Arm length with MJ!!! Try explaining impersonators to an eight and a five year old. “But you told us Michael Jackson was dead!” Joy. I actually think this ringer could have convinced Mrs. Jackson. His stage performance was that good. Upon closer inspection, I think my new pal is Puerto Rican. Hmmm… </p> <p align="left">Our last day was spent in Nassau, Bahamas. We chose to go to the Atlantis Resort.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WjoCGjDPxrk/UKriPowo7QI/AAAAAAAAA78/U4oSTzEGaek/s1600-h/DSC03696%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03696" border="0" alt="DSC03696" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IdRqCvVCWWE/UKriQrvKipI/AAAAAAAAA8E/1xCn518OzKo/DSC03696_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">The grounds were beautiful. We went to play in the water park but my little dude was too short and my big dude a little weary of the heights. So Dad and I chose the lazy river/rapids to take them on and it was fun but freezing! We should have taken a hint from all the employees who were dressed in jackets and sock hats. Duh!</p> <p align="left">SO after some splash time for the boys in the kiddy part we dried off and headed for The Dig. Eight million gallons of salt water! Yep. You heard me.&nbsp; </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XufqVV4hepw/UKriQ2E9JKI/AAAAAAAAA8M/URiW33Ld09c/s1600-h/DSC03707%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03707" border="0" alt="DSC03707" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fifFcZJ6Rho/UKriRsL9i5I/AAAAAAAAA8U/L4hrzAUlRrg/DSC03707_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">See my buddy? This is Poseidon, and his wingspan is 12 1/2 feet across. His girlfriend, or lady Manta, Athena was a mere 9 feet. They were breathtaking. I could have stood there all day, except we had eels, lion fish, piranhas, sharks, and about a million other things to see. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FzlJyLxPjcI/UKriSZMJpxI/AAAAAAAAA8c/WPdbTaWQro4/s1600-h/DSC03733%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03733" border="0" alt="DSC03733" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ef_2gT_ytIQ/UKriTBnXe2I/AAAAAAAAA8k/uQSXVX9kJbk/DSC03733_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="left">Lobster anyone? “Just me, you, and a little butter baby”. My husband is such a sweet talker. Yes, I know they are delish but this exhibit was totally creepy. They were everywhere! Look up!</p> <p align="left">We spent four hours in the resort and it was time to head back to the ship. Bummer.</p> <p align="left">We had a low key buffet dinner and sent the kids to the kid’s club for the farewell party. They wanted to say goodbye to their new friends and we needed to get some serious packing done. But first we stopped in to see the Second City Players. The theme for their show was “cruise life” and I was in tears laughing at the jokes about the walkers in line for the buffet and the force of a cruise toilet. Then they did this whole song and dance about messed up tan lines. It was a riot. A very much needed laugh at the end of our fantastic vacation.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="left">We picked up the kids and set our bags outside our rooms and headed off to bed knowing that tomorrow we would say goodbye to our home away from home.</p> <p align="left">The next day was one full of waiting in the Miami airport but we were on our way home so it was very bittersweet. </p> <p align="left">We headed home the same way we arrived…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3L39C7sxh94/UKriTgVpXgI/AAAAAAAAA8s/onvepwtxQRA/s1600-h/DSC03776%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03776" border="0" alt="DSC03776" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sBTg7i6MJYo/UKriUEJIxkI/AAAAAAAAA80/aBiDv2rikXk/DSC03776_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p align="center">in style.</p> <p align="left">So many heartfelt thanks go out to all who made this trip a possibility. Most of all I have our little buddy to thank for this one. He is a survivor and a lover of life. I thank God everyday for letting us keep him and making him so strong. Our lives were forever changed with the births of each of our children and we never lose sight of just how fortunate we are.&nbsp; </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-10079502275879624762012-11-19T17:25:00.001-06:002012-11-19T17:25:35.168-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 6<p>Anybody tired of this yet?!</p> <p>Wednesday we ordered room service for breakfast and headed out to see St. Thomas Island. We started at the Coral World Ocean Park. They do amazing reef rebuilding and well, it <em>is</em> set right in the middle of paradise. </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--vuPAEbxXSo/UKq_yfKMyMI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/6CUThBibHk8/s1600-h/DSC03592%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03592" border="0" alt="DSC03592" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BgPrICYdH_0/UKq_y4namCI/AAAAAAAAA4g/Xa_NRZGyWAI/DSC03592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AWoOY0mwoKE/UKq_zZAG8FI/AAAAAAAAA4o/wHx4Q0ZROIs/s1600-h/DSC03593%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03593" border="0" alt="DSC03593" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qEH_icNbEOE/UKq_z1wCyqI/AAAAAAAAA4w/3zaw1XA_nJA/DSC03593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jvpfeOdBRxA/UKq_0pyVK5I/AAAAAAAAA44/IrGlME3Q7Tk/s1600-h/DSC03599%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03599" border="0" alt="DSC03599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Om_FNK-HEIo/UKq_1BJIvxI/AAAAAAAAA5A/pHGzANgvT9M/DSC03599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rIu320dd-AI/UKq_1rmrFUI/AAAAAAAAA5I/MUYoJZlQDuU/s1600-h/DSC03630%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03630" border="0" alt="DSC03630" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-09g7Hiar46E/UKq_2M1MnmI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/hC4l1POT_vc/DSC03630_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>I did not pick a lame tour this time! They have all kinds of wonderful sea life to show as well as a diver feeding fish… </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FQNIWWLx6a8/UKq_2_vCTtI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/7VX2OMc0DZA/s1600-h/DSC03622%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03622" border="0" alt="DSC03622" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-21Ri3esO_lE/UKq_3bFg7zI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3XwRLqoWykg/DSC03622_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>and one mentally challenged stingray. The guide giving us the narrative on the diver informed us that most of the wildlife will be returned to the open ocean, except this guy. He loves captivity so much that he refuses to stay in the safest place for stingray which is near the bottom. He would rather spin pinwheels for squid treats than save his own hide. So he becomes an attraction and one of the only permanent fixtures to this aquarium. “He is just not quite right in the head” the guide tells us. </p> <p>From there we head to what I can describe only as perfect. Coki Beach. On the Travel Channel’s Top 20 Beaches it is no disappointment. The sand is cool, the water warm and calm, and there were tons of fish even at ankle deep to feed and admire. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Phm7rcPruUE/UKq_4BNcIkI/AAAAAAAAA5o/elx6nWvrNkc/s1600-h/DSC03637%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03637" border="0" alt="DSC03637" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UgB-0Yl7Ia0/UKq_4t8hmUI/AAAAAAAAA5w/6mwzj4yP9Ns/DSC03637_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The boys had a blast and the whole time my hubby and I were thinking that the only way it cold get better would be to have air on our backs. </p> <p>When it was time for our shuttle we headed into town to do some shopping then back to the ship. I got a much needed latte and the kids got to play Wii on the giant screen. We will call this “little boy heaven”. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LRQSsX_721Y/UKq_5Jw-_WI/AAAAAAAAA54/8sVav5fAm08/s1600-h/DSC03646%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03646" border="0" alt="DSC03646" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dui59-dOt6c/UKq_5uPUtoI/AAAAAAAAA6A/A1zMX6EgoqE/DSC03646_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03653" border="0" alt="DSC03653" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3TDCCFD6yPk/UKq_6Ibl2II/AAAAAAAAA6I/bFHpU4_7QgY/DSC03653_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"> Two stories of pure joy!</p> <p align="left">That evening we attended this:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dasKN5xKn5I/UKq_67C9AcI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/e5RnCCst1hI/s1600-h/DSC03662%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03662" border="0" alt="DSC03662" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Er5JtGHAg64/UKq_7cnw3AI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/EtuQK-kI1Ew/DSC03662_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>No pictures allowed!</p> <p align="left">I wish I could translate how incredible it was to eat a delicious dinner with a live circus going on within arms reach of the table.</p> <p align="left">The slides were open late just this one night so we ran and changed and played until very late. My legs were so sore the next morning from climbing the stairs so many times! Unforgettable.</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-70272164508309300562012-11-19T11:06:00.001-06:002012-11-19T11:06:03.759-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 5<p>It is Tuesday. We have been at sea for two and a half days and this morning we woke up at port. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A3j2qAMevlI/UKpmpS8vP9I/AAAAAAAAAzM/BJFMzdJSKGk/s1600-h/DSC03502%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03502" border="0" alt="DSC03502" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dg7I3GPZi_A/UKpmp5RI6XI/AAAAAAAAAzU/PHJXegbjnUQ/DSC03502_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp;<br>St. Maarten/ St. Martin here we come!</p> <p>I can officially say that I picked the dumbest tour for this island. We were given a tour of both the French and Dutch sides of the island, by giant tour bus, complete with grumbling, traffic, and finally naps. Grrr…</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G2LY0NQ-tn0/UKpmqxGH25I/AAAAAAAAAzc/Hr5yVyt7AIc/s1600-h/DSC03523%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03523" border="0" alt="DSC03523" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bwVijAtH1Lw/UKpmrnmYKGI/AAAAAAAAAzk/xV9FteJZ4VE/DSC03523_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z83CX_C5yGM/UKpmsBB-nVI/AAAAAAAAAzs/5vY_DlHlU0I/s1600-h/DSC03533%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03533" border="0" alt="DSC03533" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IsuVtVQih8U/UKpmsbB0T4I/AAAAAAAAAzw/7uSkOG_9lQE/DSC03533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pR-DZ9oYFyw/UKpms8Gj7hI/AAAAAAAAAz8/VSatyfOCJC0/s1600-h/DSC03535%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03535" border="0" alt="DSC03535" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vddHThXetNM/UKpmtXvmXeI/AAAAAAAAA0E/d2hEtloYxWg/DSC03535_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N3YNt96VL0Q/UKpmud1g3OI/AAAAAAAAA0M/O-iMOF7U7NY/s1600-h/DSC03537%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03537" border="0" alt="DSC03537" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-djAMIrnolQs/UKpmvHcU7aI/AAAAAAAAA0U/NFdeqBPodmk/DSC03537_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1UM_mgB98uM/UKpmwAyddxI/AAAAAAAAA0c/0Dc73L8ZVj8/s1600-h/DSC03544%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03544" border="0" alt="DSC03544" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aJ7FeOIi5vM/UKpmwsFYpNI/AAAAAAAAA0k/3HJnIXRxslA/DSC03544_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1JYk_OSgg2w/UKpmxWQpANI/AAAAAAAAA0s/M5CFL4_znt0/s1600-h/DSC03543%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03543" border="0" alt="DSC03543" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5kDotUvNVpA/UKpmx4QCuGI/AAAAAAAAA00/B0l9jpRaUAY/DSC03543_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5pvDTSnJp8w/UKpmyt4spQI/AAAAAAAAA08/IUvWhs5WreQ/s1600-h/DSC03545%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03545" border="0" alt="DSC03545" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5y7i1B5OPhg/UKpmzH8fb3I/AAAAAAAAA1E/NUxjQJPMy-E/DSC03545_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">Boring. I get it. I’m sorry. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H9_IEdWtutU/UKpm0FcYXTI/AAAAAAAAA1M/RFYAn9b21T8/s1600-h/DSC03567%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03567" border="0" alt="DSC03567" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HyuNYN1sStA/UKpm0e9CzMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/oDMC1EmvjKQ/DSC03567_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">As soon as this kid stops slapping himself, I’m gonna slap him! </p> <p>I learned a lot. I enjoyed it. All except my travel buddies were pissed at me. But we did get out and stretch our legs. What a view!</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V8OqsDFDzag/UKpm1dve_KI/AAAAAAAAA1c/xCK3X83eF5k/s1600-h/DSC03539%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03539" border="0" alt="DSC03539" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w-cLwe_tLFc/UKpm2CBvueI/AAAAAAAAA1k/8l7w_BN_VBg/DSC03539_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="504"></a></p> <p align="center">Would it be super dumb if this was my Christmas card this year?</p> <p align="left">Finally our tour had concluded and we were dropped off at the beautiful Orient Beach! This was the first time my boys had ever been in the ocean. We live in the Midwest. We are busy, work a lot, my dude was sick, the other was a baby, I don’t travel well… make up any excuse you want, I don’t have a good reason. I do believe all things happen in their own time and I think this was the exact right time for my little guys to dip their toes in the ocean for the first time. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KEnlHMO_AQ4/UKpm2pHIpFI/AAAAAAAAA1s/mkkZ41z_Wro/s1600-h/DSC03549%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03549" border="0" alt="DSC03549" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fZ9nplvcW8I/UKpm3kiUWLI/AAAAAAAAA10/qMmaZyIMfAA/DSC03549_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p align="left">The water was perfect temperature, a little rougher waves than my dudes liked, but all in all beautiful.&nbsp; </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5a5NFxYhmN4/UKpm4HzYrOI/AAAAAAAAA18/M-XsIEisIqw/s1600-h/DSC03560%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03560" border="0" alt="DSC03560" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7KZKtfGQwN8/UKpm4jQFX_I/AAAAAAAAA2E/mgK9fc3vk6E/DSC03560_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">My lover and I enjoyed a local beer and got our retinas burned out by some topless oldies. The boys? Obliviously played. Got sand everywhere. My tiny dude tells me “the water is so pretty but it tastes terrible” “don’t drink it buddy” “ok mom”. It was an amazing experience. </p> <p align="left">I only took like 78 pictures on this island. The toe pictures seem really popular right now so I’ll add this one:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lco2jc8q2_M/UKpm5V300OI/AAAAAAAAA2M/Ar_DNPtVx3U/s1600-h/DSC03555%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03555" border="0" alt="DSC03555" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vtESbFGfQEk/UKpm56ySp6I/AAAAAAAAA2U/ugFnqfXQQlg/DSC03555_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p align="left">I need to point out though that this is not just a “toes on vacation” picture, it is a family photo. See? My big dudes out in the water together and my little man hovers a little closer to Mom. See out on the horizon? Anguilla Island. Stunning. Bet I could swim there.</p> <p align="left">After some ineffective showering and a stern lecture on the importance of punctuality and togetherness while in a foreign country, we are all on the same bus and headed back to the boat. I’m sorry, babe. <em>Still</em>.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gLJ3o6KKeps/UKpm6nntFeI/AAAAAAAAA2c/5mj8_k41D6I/s1600-h/DSC03512%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03512" border="0" alt="DSC03512" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EKBsxQyh0EM/UKpm7N7qjHI/AAAAAAAAA2k/46O1Cm9LzQI/DSC03512_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">We rearranged our plans with Raewyn this evening because the boys caught wind of a Pirate Party in the kids club. So after dinner we set sail and sent the kids off. </p> <p align="left">This is going to feel a little off task but follow me. K? </p> <p align="left">There is a section at the back of the boat, way up on top, that is an adults only “club” complete with pool, bar, and amphitheater style lounge chairs. After 8pm they open it to all ages. The first night while exploring the ship we happened back there to find it full of adults watching a movie on this giant, two story, screen. What were they watching? Disney’s Tangled. The only kids in sight were my two. Odd. </p> <p align="left">Tonight after dropping the kids at the party we were at a loss for something to do. Afraid if we take a nap we would never get up, and not in any mood to dress up we wander to the back of the boat. Today carried a pirate theme throughout and to my delight what is playing on the jumbo screen? Goonies! I have landed. Beer, popcorn, and my hunny.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="left">&nbsp;</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vQPvprcXTio/UKpm7koiV6I/AAAAAAAAA2s/QD14A3HdhxQ/s1600-h/DSC03580%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03580" border="0" alt="DSC03580" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jo5scZUB9YA/UKpm8AnOQNI/AAAAAAAAA20/RnWeVReDVP4/DSC03580_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">We picked up our pirates and headed back to the cabins. The towel elephant was promptly decapitated and we ordered room service around midnight.</p> <p align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qMS-W8D0bms/UKpm8tkT-II/AAAAAAAAA28/6hngxhacZjQ/s1600-h/DSC03582%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03582" border="0" alt="DSC03582" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iTF3y5RHTkA/UKpm9GbgF9I/AAAAAAAAA3E/IcFzvNiIi-8/DSC03582_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WOd3y30Ju0Q/UKpm9t4W1bI/AAAAAAAAA3M/EFKxyqJlbf8/s1600-h/DSC03583%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03583" border="0" alt="DSC03583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U7cXyabVFgc/UKpm-swmqbI/AAAAAAAAA3U/lWbUolnPgU8/DSC03583_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">Arrrr!!!</p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-59243302765194483842012-11-19T10:00:00.001-06:002012-11-19T10:00:29.694-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 4<p>What happens in the span of a day feels like several days. Must be some sort of mid-sea time warp. We did experience a time zone and some daylight savings, maybe that’s it. </p> <p>Day 2!</p> <p>We got up early and went to the Nickelodeon character breakfast. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V5pIHLOZTA4/UKpXT7kqbFI/AAAAAAAAAvU/DFdH49FYw-0/s1600-h/DSC03465%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03465" border="0" alt="DSC03465" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Vwnq6xbCz4/UKpXUnzTWgI/AAAAAAAAAvc/noPD9iX1SGg/DSC03465_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9qHCuDw449c/UKpXWJrYlLI/AAAAAAAAAvk/ol5QqWtv1e8/s1600-h/DSC03463%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03463" border="0" alt="DSC03463" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7W1Whr88P7g/UKpXW12Jw8I/AAAAAAAAAvs/F4fhreRKUqc/DSC03463_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>We got great seats and got to see all of our favorite cartoon dudes:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XPjo9KktrQM/UKpXYBK1CjI/AAAAAAAAAv0/YP-FDRMZYlg/s1600-h/DSC03478%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03478" border="0" alt="DSC03478" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oO1LBBuJFLI/UKpXYlpYpXI/AAAAAAAAAv8/jmiyLjzniQ8/DSC03478_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nfwywEeof2E/UKpXZEzkfGI/AAAAAAAAAwE/l_yflyVsEpA/s1600-h/DSC03477%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03477" border="0" alt="DSC03477" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TH1S3TZi0_I/UKpXZ8J7xpI/AAAAAAAAAwM/2lOONdX2sWo/DSC03477_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GvNPZ_S8tL4/UKpXat9D7tI/AAAAAAAAAwU/LKI83iTum1Y/s1600-h/DSC03480%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03480" border="0" alt="DSC03480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Iix_28raM3Y/UKpXcKnkYEI/AAAAAAAAAwc/htdur0kSHlQ/DSC03480_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cPCHZd_-9BE/UKpXchwTbfI/AAAAAAAAAwk/7Jf_tCsEv-U/s1600-h/DSC03479%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03479" border="0" alt="DSC03479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cyByDfFoNe0/UKpXdQXlE7I/AAAAAAAAAws/XnnK7GHBfPE/DSC03479_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a></p> <p>After breakfast we did nothing. For like five hours. Well, not nothing. The boys swam and played and the hubbs and I worked on our <strike>tans</strike> horrid tan lines. This is the view from where we laid in the sun: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HlYl299E46s/UKpXeT15W9I/AAAAAAAAAw0/ps8j4pBVT2Q/s1600-h/DSC03384%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03384" border="0" alt="DSC03384" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y_3XoKgSvuI/UKpXfP1OPUI/AAAAAAAAAw8/4CQt98Os8eg/DSC03384_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>My main squeeze and I took turns playing, napping, and eating with our children. The entire day was effortless and full of free cookies. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YSeNKZ_627M/UKpXgLCW7wI/AAAAAAAAAxE/-vPAGPcRspM/s1600-h/DSC03484%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03484" border="0" alt="DSC03484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jlb860WjuVg/UKpXgyBM7zI/AAAAAAAAAxM/azdu8PllUBk/DSC03484_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ru5loxs-rdM/UKpXh3eAq0I/AAAAAAAAAxU/AyhWi0ZuwHs/s1600-h/DSC03483%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03483" border="0" alt="DSC03483" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1UcFovnpJlI/UKpXiduwIhI/AAAAAAAAAxc/1PiyqOB6-IY/DSC03483_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p>We eventually pried our bodies out of their chairs and cleaned up for dinner. After we ate we were able to catch the sunset. Gorgeous.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_fw3NW1Hz2c/UKpXjRhakmI/AAAAAAAAAxk/nehd-kolkfw/s1600-h/DSC03487%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03487" border="0" alt="DSC03487" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f5qyPFw7XBI/UKpXkJJZXeI/AAAAAAAAAxs/yIGsTEWyB7c/DSC03487_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p>Then we off to enjoy one hour complimentary arcade time. Party on!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-irZ5c4xsu3U/UKpXkuz5w4I/AAAAAAAAAx0/YjDbqKQ51z8/s1600-h/DSC03493%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03493" border="0" alt="DSC03493" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C75lxJ6A_-8/UKpXlZ5Y8zI/AAAAAAAAAx8/GZj-Nx3Qfss/DSC03493_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e_gCkTYDFnw/UKpXmXymk1I/AAAAAAAAAyE/LOZLnwU-Nak/s1600-h/DSC03491%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03491" border="0" alt="DSC03491" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YTJU3MloAIE/UKpXnLvZ6MI/AAAAAAAAAyM/C7TnkqrTUkw/DSC03491_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>&nbsp; </p> <p>What was that? Yes, of course I was there! I am super good at killing imaginary bad guys and I can drive a pretend car like a bat outta hell, but that all requires me to put down my camera. Sheesh.</p> <p>Day 2 was a success (no one was hurt) and we were beat and ready for bed early. </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-42998443085721148672012-11-13T20:56:00.001-06:002012-11-13T20:56:31.015-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 3<p>I know three posts in one day is pretty excessive but I gotta get it down before I forget. Or blow up. Whichever.</p> <p>So with Miami, FL behind us and two days of open sea ahead let the fun begin. Wait! Not yet. We don’t have a clue what to do so we start at the Guest Services desk. I originally went to just check in, sort of. I actually forget my original reason for being there. Huh. But as soon as I gave them our last name we were shuffled off to speak with Raewyn, from South Africa, our Group Service Coordinator. Boy were we in for a surprise! Where the Make-A-Wish jurisdiction ended (they sent ideas of what little dude what might want to do) the folks at Norwegian picked right up. She had a printed schedule of events for us. Something major every day. We got an hour arcade time and internet service on the house, souvenirs, and tours that were exclusively ours. I cried like an idiot the entire time she explained what we would be doing and that she would be accompanying us to each event to secure VIP seats and arrange things along the way. I was overwhelmed, the hubbs was overjoyed, and the boys were clueless. They will get it here in a day or two. </p> <p>Side note: There were two Group Service Coordinators on the ship and these ladies were really hoppin’! We were hardly a group, the four of us. They did have several large groups on the ship with us though. The was a Bingo group, a lesbian group, and a bunch of folks from Jersey who were hell bent on drinking the ship dry. So in addition to all of the families with small children, we had an expanded version of the Jersey Shore cast, loads of ladies in shirts that simple read “Sweet”, and more walkers and scooters that I think was safe for our vessel. WoW!&nbsp; </p> <p>It was all of 2pm after meeting Raewyn and we had to get a bite to eat. Off to the buffet! I don’t know if I was just starving or if it really was the best freakin’ burger and fries ever. We got into our rooms and all bags were accounted for so we grabbed our beach towels and headed to the lido deck.&nbsp; Even though the water was freezing the boys insisted we were evil fun squashers if we did not allow them to swim until they just couldn’t take it any more. We dried off and headed out for some ship exploring. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D0X0jlzrzRk/UKMIABXlcUI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/k14jkwxDpVg/s1600-h/DSC03398%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03398" border="0" alt="DSC03398" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xQEJhV2uCg8/UKMIA-DN_2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/VnvKoIDIC48/DSC03398_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>It was such a long day that this is really the only picture I got of our ship exploration that first night. This sport court was on the 18th deck, pretty dang high up. See the ship’s stacks in the background? Super windy. We played a little basketball, a little soccer then suffered two injuries before declaring the night over. Grady and I were dribbling a basketball which hit him in the face busting his upper lip and spewing blood. Total accident. Then Doug decides to take one last shot with his soccer ball and Henry just happened to be standing like 5 foot away and caught it in the temple sending him to the ground. Also an accident. No stitches needed and only a minor concussion. Sheesh. We actually get parents of the year nominations for tandem injuries on the first day of vacation though. Go us!</p> <p>We slept like the dead got up early and had some breakfast. Yum! Then off to meet Raewyn for our tour of the bridge!!! I was so excited and so was my posse. To the left you see the bridge observation area, which anyone who wants to wander up to 13 is privy to see. Then she let us in…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nfdTuOAAS4Q/UKMIBkXiZMI/AAAAAAAAAqg/phmBXmyUb3U/s1600-h/DSC03399%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03399" border="0" alt="DSC03399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KWn5LhfThxY/UKMICGGIPtI/AAAAAAAAAqo/p7epIz1nhaY/DSC03399_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>To meet the Master, Captain Sverre Sovdsnes (still can not pronounce his name)&nbsp; and his 1st officer, Julia who is from the Ukraine and gave us our tour. It was fascinating! </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5LM9FUdHETw/UKMIDW-iDoI/AAAAAAAAAqw/8g2n4kssraE/s1600-h/DSC03401%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03401" border="0" alt="DSC03401" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ery0-la8gWY/UKMIECcDkaI/AAAAAAAAAq4/7efXlkAMivc/DSC03401_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">My boys in the Captains’ chairs.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q7p47xNh9X4/UKMIE87NMVI/AAAAAAAAArA/Vh6nCHVcVkU/s1600-h/DSC03402%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03402" border="0" alt="DSC03402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MRwUamONpn0/UKMIFVwN1pI/AAAAAAAAArI/6H2DwLCnzbQ/DSC03402_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="387"></a> </p> <p align="center">Let’s take a look at this one shall we? The red line is our charted course. The white is the actual path of the ship. Notice the loop-di-loop we did a little while back? Barf! We were doing this tight circle in a massive ship while we were trying to eat breakfast. It was a shipwreck they stopped to investigate, standard safety procedure I believe. Turns out it was an old wreck that had not yet sunk completely, but super cool none the less.</p> <p>&nbsp; <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oONrTUhsB6Y/UKMIGfKqOiI/AAAAAAAAArQ/eoNGmImE9BI/s1600-h/DSC03406%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03406" border="0" alt="DSC03406" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vrr2MeaNCkU/UKMIGyDfwpI/AAAAAAAAArY/dmFoCBFtdXw/DSC03406_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="214"></a></p> <p align="center">The dudes were very interested in the instrument panels.</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pSfwgp6RX88/UKMIHXx-gWI/AAAAAAAAArg/FZ5P4wXfCYE/s1600-h/DSC03413%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03413" border="0" alt="DSC03413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dceDujV3VUM/UKMIIPtfgiI/AAAAAAAAAro/Lbkeu49Q5bI/DSC03413_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="504"></a></p> <p align="center">This window in the floor is used when docking in port. It is so you can see how close the ship is to the dock. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JJhoWDTG-Yk/UKMIJE8L56I/AAAAAAAAArw/2ZM70eI6JLU/s1600-h/DSC03407%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03407" border="0" alt="DSC03407" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6LmzWJE_Yic/UKMIJkH1YiI/AAAAAAAAAr4/eL2O9e2QSUw/DSC03407_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">My buddy is steering the ship! No big pirate wheel here, that little dial is how the ship is steered. There is a little stool and holes in the floor so the person steering is lower than the control station. </p> <p align="center">&nbsp; <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--7dCnndSCZU/UKMIKZnNLPI/AAAAAAAAAsA/b3r89-7miuM/s1600-h/DSC03412%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03412" border="0" alt="DSC03412" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s2mP5yghtGE/UKMIK9w5g9I/AAAAAAAAAsI/nHWSIHr7jPc/DSC03412_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="453"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; The lovely Raewyn!!!</p> <p align="left">That was just the first thing on our agenda. Next we went to the galley!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aWLmzXWJE-Y/UKMILrEGZmI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/TmRfAhiSKxQ/s1600-h/DSC03418%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03418" border="0" alt="DSC03418" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fWBkMjpoufA/UKMIMqPZJ5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/mzu3rAoOCuc/DSC03418_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JAR7W6DYyc4/UKMINri_LPI/AAAAAAAAAsg/AINOXasb2_k/s1600-h/DSC03417%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03417" border="0" alt="DSC03417" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e4TDu7Wl4lY/UKMIOKvH_fI/AAAAAAAAAsk/cADgpgu06ic/DSC03417_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-umol2gwfA7E/UKMIOqvxhpI/AAAAAAAAAsw/1bPRlHGn5wo/s1600-h/DSC03419%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03419" border="0" alt="DSC03419" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-driZixo01yw/UKMIPpk3TfI/AAAAAAAAAs4/tIz2qOCVBZE/DSC03419_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pYOaCykVV9M/UKMIQBs4r6I/AAAAAAAAAtA/HuoL_0UME7Y/s1600-h/DSC03423%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03423" border="0" alt="DSC03423" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-92H1hVKUK1I/UKMIQo2HlEI/AAAAAAAAAtI/kn8FoiW3GY0/DSC03423_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nSFjnTT9ZGM/UKMIRFsMYDI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/K0YbzEO9STY/s1600-h/DSC03424%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03424" border="0" alt="DSC03424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iO17HWYFNlg/UKMIRi6rerI/AAAAAAAAAtY/0dbyyZHyUJo/DSC03424_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zhu1-VlLMOk/UKMISLJaVQI/AAAAAAAAAtg/B6UDKU8xF9w/s1600-h/DSC03425%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03425" border="0" alt="DSC03425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rxylFsBqmMY/UKMISq9PAZI/AAAAAAAAAto/Pwkbx530tKs/DSC03425_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="left">We had a guided tour of the galley. I have been in the restaurant biz for a very long time and I have never seen so much stainless steel in my life! We met the Executive Chef, saw where every item for the 4000+ guests is prepared, and even got to make our own lunch. Incredible!</p> <p align="left">Would you believe that was just our morning on day one?!?!?</p> <p align="left">Not a minute to rest. Not today. We saw the Nickelodeon Slime Time game show hit the water slides for an hour then had dinner in one of the many restaurants. Then…&nbsp; </p> <p align="center">The Blue Man Group!!!</p> <p align="center">&nbsp;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nBLKh5f7I98/UKMITjPIUfI/AAAAAAAAAtw/iQD6EHqvZrQ/s1600-h/DSC03445%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03445" border="0" alt="DSC03445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fEAjuoaLgns/UKMIUK0MLYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/nrHx4W3YFkA/DSC03445_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">This was the first time we have seen them and the show was so fun. The music was great and the Blue Men were really funny. We were marked, each with a blue spot on our cheeks. Then they gave my dude the spit picture from the show! The best part about that was instead of signing the canvas one of the guys “face printed” it.&nbsp; </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s_zPjeOs0jw/UKMIVFwPkII/AAAAAAAAAuA/RFzhVfktafs/s1600-h/DSC03446%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03446" border="0" alt="DSC03446" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Oxr_AHlA9c/UKMIVmM0YSI/AAAAAAAAAuI/-dg9BAvEk2I/DSC03446_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="left">After such a whirlwind day at sea the boys were ready to get rid of us. So… off they went to the kids club! Sorry no pictures allowed. In fact no parents allowed. They thought that was the sh*t! The Hubby and I were left to our own devices and decided to entertain ourselves with a trip to the Svedka Ice Bar. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZzLQYd55WDA/UKMIWeH-2II/AAAAAAAAAuQ/IgwK78mZZv0/s1600-h/DSC03458%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03458" border="0" alt="DSC03458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cBVOH3P9XtE/UKMIXQNyOkI/AAAAAAAAAuY/j2cIdLD7L8U/DSC03458_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> No messing around in there! The glasses are made of ice, the chairs, the bar… well everything! They give you the down feather ponchos and the gloves before you go in to the 50°F in the entrance then only 17°F in the actual bar. This dummy wore flip-flops. The drinks were strong so that kind of made up for it and the entrance fee bought you two. Whooo!!!!</p> <p align="center">What a day! </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764408171252072715.post-12390543963296718152012-11-13T12:05:00.001-06:002012-11-13T12:05:03.477-06:00Epic Experience Pt. 2<p>Lord only knows how many parts this will take! </p> <p>We planned as much as we were allowed. Making arrangements for the dog and house, calling the school, requesting time off work. When talking about our upcoming trip I heard a lot of “ooohh, I’m so jealous”. I can see in the foreground where this would seem like winning the lottery. Let me tell you, in broad spectrum, it is not. Yes, we were offered a fantastic vacation but before you consider us “lucky” think what had to happen in order to qualify. Ask anyone with a loved one who has any sort of medical issues, especially a child, and I mean anything from chronic ear infections to debilitating issues like heart disease, MD, autism, diabetes, this list could go on for years… anyway, ask them how lucky we are and they will tell you how blessed we are to still have our baby but not lucky at all. They will also probably tell you the same thing I will and that is I would trade it all for him never to have been sick in the first damn place. That being said lets celebrate life!</p> <p>All arrangements made and our little guy’s journey began at 4:15 in the dang morning! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zC7w8IfvHTY/UKKLidDrFoI/AAAAAAAAAlw/HGjHXhxnWmA/s1600-h/DSC03363%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03363" border="0" alt="DSC03363" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7A3K_Ct34OE/UKKLi_V_DpI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Tr4J1mYQTLE/DSC03363_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>We were picked up in a freakin’ limo! The boys went wild. It really made waking up at 3am sting a little less just watching their reaction. Funny side note: our limo driver is currently building a house in our neighborhood. Howdy neighbor! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pMHyiAJslBg/UKKLkJXywfI/AAAAAAAAAmA/sIdR1iiPxi8/s1600-h/DSC03366%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03366" border="0" alt="DSC03366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eHuAIWy8jdI/UKKLkelifgI/AAAAAAAAAmI/svJ1iqUO0LA/DSC03366_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> Those little freaks touched EVERYTHING in that car. Sorry neighbor.&nbsp; </p> <p align="left">Our flight took off around 6:30 so there was plenty of time for check in, which went super smooth. I was surprised. This was our first flight with the kids. Actually, there were a ton of firsts on this trip. I don’t prefer to fly so this was all new. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LF24AUEsWNk/UKKLlbsp7jI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/g4qAz858g7M/s1600-h/DSC03367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03367" border="0" alt="DSC03367" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L6itCy_uQAo/UKKLl-tD65I/AAAAAAAAAmY/BwzrV5iVaj0/DSC03367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">A little Starbucks, a little waiting and we are outta here!&nbsp; </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4erdKORXbq0/UKKLmWXLBVI/AAAAAAAAAmg/UPggUR6lhTI/s1600-h/DSC03368%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03368" border="0" alt="DSC03368" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A2MYxOrvkCM/UKKLmxK6mVI/AAAAAAAAAmo/jH-YnI7ui0I/DSC03368_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="center">Sunrise! </p> <p align="center">&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dXx98EItCRE/UKKLnjXBlII/AAAAAAAAAmw/v2jJBYbA4LU/s1600-h/DSC03371%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03371" border="0" alt="DSC03371" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y-zOq6_yd6A/UKKLoD8iCRI/AAAAAAAAAm4/UhXu8Yplty0/DSC03371_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">Hello Miami!</p> <p align="left">Two airports and a bus transfer to the port of call and look who is still all smiles. I won’t show you the other kid. We had a hurry up and wait kind of day. This makes for two whiney kids, one grumpy dad, and an over anxious mom who is camera happy. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tn1F2VRHHf4/UKKLokooyuI/AAAAAAAAAnA/AUjAvpvoqIE/s1600-h/DSC03373%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03373" border="0" alt="DSC03373" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SA5E_Jv2qNc/UKKLpBSa0hI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ZDc3-HCJHRc/DSC03373_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RW5uVOsoOMI/UKKLplC1agI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/6ALETDALMYo/s1600-h/DSC03374%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03374" border="0" alt="DSC03374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ljdJIPxgdbo/UKKLqWa6dDI/AAAAAAAAAnY/PtLuXzcHu8w/DSC03374_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="left">After an eternity we got all checked in, our group was called and we were bound for the sea! First thing is first… potty break and immediate game of air hockey.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sdBrejDS3zI/UKKLrEpL3uI/AAAAAAAAAng/dtSRlU5r5D0/s1600-h/DSC03375%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC03375" border="0" alt="DSC03375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zm1aznJMSpE/UKKLr7SxyGI/AAAAAAAAAno/jisDS0kAYDY/DSC03375_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="left">The staterooms wouldn’t be ready for a couple hours so we ditched our bags in temporary storage and went to explore our home for the next week. We were aboard the <a href="http://www.cruisenorwegian.com/shipdetail.do?tab=ship&amp;c=34&amp;v=709&amp;i=&amp;dsc=null">Norwegian Epic</a>, the largest in their fleet, and we were headed out for two days at sea before reaching St. Maarten (not sure why, I prefer the Dutch spelling), then to St. Thomas U.S.V.I., then one more day at sea and finally Nassau, Bahamas. Shall we take a look at the ship?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rJQRfNoci18/UKKLsqOUGSI/AAAAAAAAAnw/f0mAGnuDBHs/s1600-h/DSC03376%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03376" border="0" alt="DSC03376" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ovz4lWoAir0/UKKLtKF2m6I/AAAAAAAAAn4/xZEeBnfK7uA/DSC03376_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="center">Tiny. Smaller than tiny. Thank goodness they gave us two. Honestly though the bed was dreamy and that is the only time we were even in our rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3sHndL7mOew/UKKLt8PkC-I/AAAAAAAAAoA/xgU17O7EsDA/s1600-h/DSC03384%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03384" border="0" alt="DSC03384" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RD8jVerlGfU/UKKLuOmNVQI/AAAAAAAAAoE/sjgawr4T5cE/DSC03384_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DS04URdCt0A/UKKLusRVTlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/qAAAihVbrtM/s1600-h/DSC03378%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03378" border="0" alt="DSC03378" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9pKofMrL7-w/UKKLvcaTbZI/AAAAAAAAAoY/wjIHH3jLyxQ/DSC03378_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5zLvP9hLMZE/UKKLvtDH-yI/AAAAAAAAAog/C52EL3JbN_U/s1600-h/DSC03383%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03383" border="0" alt="DSC03383" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QchdryhR0EY/UKKLwMch-iI/AAAAAAAAAoo/of7I07cLtBM/DSC03383_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p align="center">Those were all the little guys cared about. </p> <p align="center">Who am I kidding? Us big kids flung our bodies down those suckers a few dozen times too. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QrHQlitxFns/UKKLwxg0ZFI/AAAAAAAAAow/5-mrmpfpOaI/s1600-h/DSC03380%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03380" border="0" alt="DSC03380" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KmJpaf9q6DA/UKKLxM9tl0I/AAAAAAAAAo4/bzkcRYljMVw/DSC03380_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">Has he been smiling so long it hurts? It looks like it hurts. Maybe its just sunny? </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lp5tLU6TKaA/UKKLyICQVjI/AAAAAAAAApA/bwQxL1OchqI/s1600-h/DSC03386%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03386" border="0" alt="DSC03386" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zVpMJVi6330/UKKLyr9-PLI/AAAAAAAAApI/O0y_E7WGiYE/DSC03386_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">Spongebob dance party then… </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-84laPcCMmVA/UKKLyxaaTpI/AAAAAAAAApQ/yAWSSSXRgoQ/s1600-h/DSC03396%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC03396" border="0" alt="DSC03396" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-faQQ7KABLlg/UKKLzfztSrI/AAAAAAAAApY/Vjr9zvSB3Q0/DSC03396_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> </p> <p align="center">&nbsp; Adios Miami!!! </p> Mommybreathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04286815148410712095noreply@blogger.com0